WTAM Local News

Guilty on all counts in military charity fraud case

(Cleveland) — A jury in Cleveland has convicted the mysterious defendant in a $100 million, cross-country veterans charity fraud case.

The jury that issued its verdict Thursday didn't hear from the ex-fugitive, who decided against testifying. His attorney said he wanted to tell his story but worried about his mental state if he faced aggressive cross-examination by prosecutors.

He was charged with looting the United States Navy Veterans Association, a charity he ran in Tampa, Fla. He was indicted in 2010, disappeared for nearly two years and was arrested last year in Portland, Ore.

Authorities believe he defrauded donors of up to $100 million in 41 states. A fraction of that money was found.